Greenest of the green: This year’s top sustainable buildings

The American Institute of Architects’ Committee on the Environment recently revealed its annual pick of Top Ten Green Projects. As always, AIA’s selection serves as an ideal opportunity to check out some top-tier sustainable architecture.

All but one of the projects is based in the US (the exception is in Ireland), but each is led by a US architecture firm. Below we’ve picked a few highlights.

Rene Cazenave Apartments – Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

San Francisco’s Rene Cazenave Apartments (which also involved Saida + Sullivan Design Partners) serves as supportive housing for formerly homeless people. Though the project was under significant budgetary pressure due to its status as subsidized housing for low income individuals, it’s still impressively green. This makes good sense both for the environment and the occupants, as energy-efficiency means low bills.

The 120 homes include high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity. A green roof helps manage storm water runoff, as does a water recycling tank and smart irrigation, while the homes are also naturally ventilated and designed to ensure plenty of daylight permeates inside.